First Aid Kit

[Jaders]

On doggyloot, they have this First Aid Kit but I was wanting to make one myself. I just wanted to know if you have a first aid kit and if so, what is the MUST haves.

[Liesje]

Here is mine, I bolded the stuff I think is essential for emergency care. Note: I keep regular grooming stuff (shampoos, brushes, nail trimmers, etc) in a different kit.

vet wrap
bandaging wraps
medical tape
duct tape
rubbing alcohol
hydrogen peroxide (unopened....for inducing vomiting, not wound care)
saline
Vetericyn spray (or something for rinsing/cleaning wounds)
scissors
nail clippers
clamp
Neo-Predef (prescription powder used for skin infections/wounds)
metronidazole
broad spectrum oral antibiotic
gas-X
benedryl
Musher's Secret foot cream
triple antibiotic ointment for dogs
triple antibiotic ointment for people
paw ointment
ear wipes
ear cleaning solution
plastic basket muzzle
mesh muzzle
travel sized human first aid pouch (mostly various bandaids)

[JackandMattie]

Hydrogen peroxide (to clean wounds or induce vomiting), sterile gauze pads, and that wide bandaging tape that sticks to itself.

I bet there will be much longer lists, but through all of our trials and tribulations, those have fortunately been all we've needed.

[JackandMattie]

I have some shopping to do!

Why not the peroxide for wound care? I've used it on vet's instructions. Dog hated it, tho.

Originally Posted by Liesje

Here is mine, I bolded the stuff I think is essential for emergency care. Note: I keep regular grooming stuff (shampoos, brushes, nail trimmers, etc) in a different kit.

vet wrap
bandaging wraps
medical tape
duct tape
rubbing alcohol
hydrogen peroxide (unopened....for inducing vomiting, not wound care)
saline
Vetericyn spray (or something for rinsing/cleaning wounds)
scissors
nail clippers
clamp
Neo-Predef (prescription powder used for skin infections/wounds)
metronidazole
broad spectrum oral antibiotic
gas-X
benedryl
Musher's Secret foot cream
triple antibiotic ointment for dogs
triple antibiotic ointment for people
paw ointment
ear wipes
ear cleaning solution
plastic basket muzzle
mesh muzzle
travel sized human first aid pouch (mostly various bandaids)

[Liesje]

Using straight hydrogen peroxide on open wounds actually damages tissue. If you use it, it needs to be properly *diluted*. But there other things to use that are easier (don't require dilution) such as Vetericyn sprays, you can use sterile saline to rinse a wound (I have that as well), iodine (that's what's been used on me when I've been stitched up), or just run clean water over it. I've never had a Dr. or vet use or suggest hydrogen peroxide for open wounds.

[JackandMattie]

Originally Posted by Liesje

Using straight hydrogen peroxide on open wounds actually damages tissue. If you use it, it needs to be properly *diluted*. But there other things to use that are easier (don't require dilution) such as Vetericyn sprays, you can use sterile saline to rinse a wound (I have that as well), iodine (that's what's been used on me when I've been stitched up), or just run clean water over it. I've never had a Dr. or vet use or suggest hydrogen peroxide for open wounds.

Mine did, for a bite on the weimaraner's leg that tore the skin open. It was after hours, but after speaking with the vet on the phone she said to flush it with the peroxide, use the gauze pad and then wrap it with the clingy tape, not too tightly. We went the next morning and she had 4-5 stitches. It wasn't gushing blood or anything, but the skin was torn.

But I like what you're saying better. Thank you for sharing your list. I am going to put together a more complete kit. I have the peroxide and bandages, and the benadryl and gas-x on hand, but I really would feel better with a more complete setup like yours. You just never know.

Next would be where to sign up for a doggy first aid class?

[Lilie]

I also carry nu-skin (I think that's the name of it) in the event of a small pad tear.

[Liesje]

The other benefit to using other things for flushing wounds is that they can be used around eyes or mouth (like vetericyn or sterile saline). A lot of times if there is a dog fight wound it can be on the head or face and you would never want to put undiluted hydrogen peroxide on a dog's face. However it's an absolutely must-have for inducing vomiting, just make sure it is *unopened*. Even a bottle that is not expired may not work if it's been opened (I've had that happened before when my dog ate a leash).

[Smithie86]

Make sure everyone has the human 1st aid kit, as well.

[Jaders]

Originally Posted by Liesje

The other benefit to using other things for flushing wounds is that they can be used around eyes or mouth (like vetericyn or sterile saline). A lot of times if there is a dog fight wound it can be on the head or face and you would never want to put undiluted hydrogen peroxide on a dog's face. However it's an absolutely must-have for inducing vomiting, just make sure it is *unopened*. Even a bottle that is not expired may not work if it's been opened (I've had that happened before when my dog ate a leash).

How would you use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting?
I think I should have a first aid kit book along with my first aid.